Charoite Freeform Cabochon 29.5 x 21.0mm (Ref 7)  Ref: CharoiteFreef7
	Charoite is an unsual mineral and of rare occurence. It is found to date in only one location: along the Chary River at Aldan in Russia. It formed from alteration of limestones by the close presences of an alkali-rich nephline syenite intrusion. The heat, pressure and more importantly, the infusion of unique chemicals into the rock is responsible for the transformations into new minerals such as charoite. Why charoite has not been found in other locations is not fully understood. But it is probably due to a combination of a chemically unique limestone reacting with a chemically unique intrusion and subjected to unique physical conditions. Charoite is used as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone. It has the appearance of purple marble, but really defies description. Its popularity would probably be much greater if not for its "synthetic" character: It simply looks unnaturally beautiful.